Children&#39;s exercise and play device



R. C DILLON CHILDREN'S EXERCISE AND PLAY DEVICE Nov. 14, 1961 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 30, 1959 05527 D/uav I INVENTOR. 14 5/2216 9fins-sup BY flrrakmsys.

Nov. 14, 1961 R. c DILLON 3,008,711

CHILDREN'S EXERCISE AND PLAY DEVICE Filed June 30, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Bose-er C, D/LLO/V INVENTOR. A Eez/e f .f-ssup United States Thisinvention relates to an article of manufacture which is a climbingdevice conceived and designed for the recreation of children byproviding them with a suitable facility to climb on and play on. Thedevice of the invention is intended for use, by way of example, inschools, parks, playgrounds and in the yards of private homes orotherwise.

As is well known, children, especially younger children, are very activeand in securing release of their energies they ordinarily haveconsiderable propensity for climbing whatever objects such as trees thatmay be appropriate for that purpose.

It is the object of this invention to provide an article of manufacture,that is, a facility which is a device appropriate for climbing to fillthe need for an appropriate means for children to release theirpropensities for climbing, to obtain exercise and to otherwise engage inhealth ful and entertaining play.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a facility as inthe foregoing, which while fulfilling its purpose offers the maximum insafety of usage and furthermore is of extremely sturdy, rugged andreliable construction so as to afford many years of economical andconstructive service. 7

Basically, in a preferred form of the invention it takes the form of astructure having a horizontal flexible network of ropes for example, andone or more generally upright flexible networks or grids of ropessupported by frame structure whereby to provide means for children toclimb on the structure safely and Without danger of harm or injury totheir hands, feet or other parts of the body. Preferably the structurecomprises a top or ridge pole member to which swinging ropes areconnected one on the inside and optionally one on the outside also ofthe structure. The usefulness of the device or facilityand its appeal tochildren is thereby enhanced in that they may swing entirely through thestructure if desired, that is, from end to end and this may be donesafely, protection being afforded by the flexible horizontal network ofropes.

Preferably the device or facility is constructed using A frames at theends with a ridge pole connecting the tops of the A frames. Preferably aflexible network is provided horizontally at the level of the crossmembers of the A frames with additional flexible networks providedbetween the side legs of the A frames, the ridge pole member andlongitudinal members at the level of the cross members of the A frames.Such a structure very conveniently, safely and effectively provides forclimbing on the exterior of the facility and swinging and play within Inthe light of the foregoing a more specific object of the invention is toprovide a climbing device or facility for children comprising an uprightrigid frame structure having a horizontal flexible network disposed at alower part thereof and one or more generally upright flexible networksadapted to be climbed on by children.

Another object of the invention is to provide a facility as in theforegoing comprising a structure having A frames at the ends thereof, aridge pole connecting the tops of the A frames, longitudinal sidemembers at the level of the cross members of the A frames, a horizontalflexible network at the level of the cross members of the A frames andangular-1y disposed flexible networks connected between the respectivelegs of the A frames, the

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3,008,71 l Patented Nov..1 4, 19 61 ridge pole and the longitudinal sideframe members, an improved means for securing the same.

Another object is to provide a facility or device as in the foregoingobject wherein the structure is built or fabricated of tubular plasticor metal components including inverted V-shaped end members, a ridgepole member and a rectangular tubular member attached to and surroundingthe lower part of the V-shaped members.

Further objects and numerous advantages .of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structure, of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a production model of the. invention;and 7 FIG. 5 is a preferred form of strand securement means aspreferably incorporated into the form .of 4.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 3 of the drawings as. maybe seen, the invention provides a climbing device or facilityparticularly adapted to he climbed on by children in a manner analogousto a monkey climbing tree. 'The device as shown in "FIGS. '1 to 3 may byway of example be constructed of wood, with the networks being oflightweight manila rope for example. As may be seen in FIG. 1 thestructure comprises A frames at the ends as designated generally at 10and 11. Each of these frames comprises wooden components or plankmembers 12 and 13 as designated connected by a transverse member 14. Themember 14 is cut out at its ends on the inside as shown to receive thelegs 11 and 12in engagement therewith and they'are attached by way ofbolts as shown. The angle of the A frames may be 60 for example. Theoverall size of the device may of course be varied considerably. The Aframes are connected at the top by a beam or ridge pole as designated at17. The upper ends of the legs 11 and 12 are notched as shown at 20 andthe under side of the ends of the ridge pole 17 are correspondinglynotched and the notched portions interfit together as shown in FIGS. 1and 3.

The ridge pole member 17 has regularly spaced notches across its top asshown at 22. These notches receive the generally upright ropes of theflexible networks or rope grids at the sides of the device keeping themevenly spaced at all times as will be described. Preferably the uprightropes are knotted with a single granny knot on each side of the notch toprevent slippage.

A hole 23 is provided at the center of the ridge pole member 17 andlooped through this hole is the end of a swinging rope 24 which hangsdown within the structure and is knotted as shown, this swinging ropemaking it possible to swing through the stiuoturefrom one end to theother. The swinging rope 24 may optionally if desired be provided with aknot on each side of the hole 23 with a knot at its lower end.

Near the apices or tops of the A frames there are provided brace membersas shown at '25 which extend horizontally beneath the ridge pole member17 which assist in supporting the ridge pole member and contribute tothe strength of the structure, these brace members being attached to theA frames by bolts as shown.

Numerals 28 designate longitudinal members extending between the A framelegs on each side of the structure at the level of the .cross pieces orcross members 14 of the A frames. These members are attached to the legsof the A frame by bolts as shown similar to the attachment of the crossmembers 14.

Brace members are preferably provided at opposite corners of thestructure as shown at 31 and 32, these members being angu larly disposedas shown between legs of the A frames and adjacent attached longitudinalframe members 28. The brace members are attached by bolts as shown, themembers being provided with angular notches as shown at 33 toaccommodate horizontally positioned bolts attaching the brace members tothe A frame legs. These members contribute to the strength and rigidityof the structure.

As may be seen in FIG. 1 in each of the legs of the A frame member 11are five equally spaced holes. Preferably these holes are drilled alongthe center line of the leg members. The A frame on the opposite end hascorrespondingly spaced holes in its legs and in addition there are sixmore holes in each of these legs positioned in between horizontal ortransverse strands of the flexible network as shown. These additionalholes as may be seen provide groups of four holes equally spaced apart.These holes provide for looping the horizontal strands or ropes of theflexible network or grid through the end members, that is the legs ofthe A frame looping them back and securing them in a square knot, ahorizontal strand being designated by way of example at 35 in FIG. 1 andheld by a square knot as shown at 36. The fifth strand of rope from thetop on each side is looped through the A frame legs and secured by asquare knot as shown at 37 in FIG. 2.

If desired all strands of rope running through the A frame end membersmay be knotted in a single granny knot on either side of the A frame legmembers to prevent slipping except at or on the ends of rope at whichpoint a square knot is used to secure.

The upright strands of rope run down both sides of the structure andacross the lower horizontal framework forming a safety network. As maybe seen in FIG. 1 theupright ropes on the left side of the structurepass through equally spaced holes in the longitudinal frame member 28and then horizontally across the bottom of the structure. If desired theupright ropes may simply pass down underneath the longitudinal framemember 28. These ropes then pass through holes in the opposite framemember 28 and their ends are preferably tied to the upright ropes onthat side by square knots.

The endwise ropes of the bottom network are looped through openings inthe cross pieces 14 of the A frames in the same manner and fashion asthe side horizontal ropes extending between the two A frames.

As may be seen therefore the rope networks form a flexible horizontalnetting across the lower part of the structure and flexible networks orgrids at an angle at the two sides of the device. At all intersectingpoints of the ropes forming the networks the intersecting ropes aresecured preferably with a sheep-shank type of knot.

From the foregoing it will be observed that the structure is a uniqueand novel one highly adapted to its purposes 'as set out in theforegoing. The structure is very sturdy and rugged and adapted to beclimbed on by children with complete safety. Climbing may be done on theoutside angular networks or on the other hand a child may use theclimbing rope 24 and safely swing entirely through the structure, safetybeing provided by the horizontal flexible network. The structure can bevery economically fabricated and assembled and made available at a veryreasonable price.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings this figure shows in perspective aproduction model of the invention. In

this form of the invention, the A frames are in fact inverted V membersas shown at 40 and 41 preferably made of tubular material which may beplastic, aluminum, or steel and may if desired be galvanized. Theconstruction, that is the joints may be welded or bolted and the shapingof components may be by known bending methods. The device as shown has atubular ridge pole member 42 and around the lower part of the structureis a continuous rectangular frame member 44 of similar tubing material.The frame member is preferably bolted although it may be welded to thelegs of the end members. The flexible networks or grids are fabricatedand assembled in the same or in a similar manner to that as described inconneotion with the previous embodiment and their construction willtherefore not be described in detail again.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4 a swinging rope is provided as shown at 46hanging down from a midpoint of the ridge pole 42 and an exteriorswinging or climbing rope 47 is also provided having a knot as shownadjacent the ridge pole member 42. As may be observed the constructionshown provides a very light but sturdy and rugged climbing device orfacility for children which can be utilized for play and recreationpurposes with full safety assured. A preferred form of securement forthe individual strand to their respective frame portions is illustratedin FIG. 5 wherein a frame member 42, by way 'of example, is mounted atitsends for rotation as about pins 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.Said member 42, as also preferably with the other members, such as 40,41, 43 and 51, is provided with a plurality of apertures 52 in axialalignment at positions corresponding to the desired positions of thestrands or ropes. Hook members 53 having means such as a loop 54 for thesecurement of the respective strands at one end thereof in anyconventional manner such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5, isprovided at its opposite end with a hook form tip 55 in the manner of aspanner and preferably making an angle of something slightly less thanwith its adjacent curved portion 56. The ropes and strands having thenbeen secured to their respective hook members 53, said members areloosely secured to their respective frame members in said correspondingapertures 52 while said frame members are retained in a position ofrelative rotation approximately 90 from their ultimately desiredposition, the said latter position being indicated dotted outline inFIG. 5 and the preliminary position of relative rotation beingillustrated in solid outline in said figure. Said rotation therebyplaces all of the strands in tension, a position which is retained as bymeans of a transverse pin 57 extending through the adjacent fitting 5-8and said pin 50.

By this means, a firm and convenient securement is provided whichobviates the necessity of lacing of the several strands through theframe member and permits the facile replacement thereof. The pin 57 ispreferably in the form of a locking bolt as illustrated.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of preferred forms of theinvention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than alimiting sense. Various modifications and alternatives may occur to andbe adopted by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention which is to be in accordance with the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A playground climbing device comprising a pair of spaced parallelrigid A frames haying cross members adjacent the bottoms thereof, alongitudinal member secured to the lower part of each of the legs ofsaid A frames at the ends of said cross members to form therewith ahorizontal rectangular frame, a network of flexible members secured tothe sides and ends of said rectangular frame, a ridge pole memberextending between the apices of the A frame members, and networks offlexible members secured respectively between the said ridge pole, therespective side legs of the A frame members and said longitudinalmembers and providing climbing devices for children.

2. A playground climbing device comprising a structure having a pair ofspaced parallel inverted metal V-shaped members at the ends thereof, aridge pole member connecting the apices of said V-shaped members, arectangular metal frame member secured to the lower part of the legs ofthe V-shaped members whereby A frames are formed at the ends of thestructure, a flexible supporting structure within said rectangular framemember comprising a network of flexible members extending longitudinallyand transversely between the end members and side members respectivelyof the rectangular frame member, and similar networks of flexiblemembers extending between the said ridge pole member, side members ofthe rectangular frame member and respective legs of the said A frames.

3. The structure of claim 2 and means for turning selected legs of saidframe member including means for locking said legs in a pre-selectedposition of relative rotation to said frame, said legs having aperturestherein, and hook means secured to respective selected correspondingflexible members, said hook means hav- 6 ing hook-shaped ends adapted tobe loosely retained in said apertures, said hooks being formed with aspanner portion adapted to conform to and be retained in contiguousrelationship with the adjacent surface of said leg in the lockedposition thereof to tighten said flexible members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,471,465 Hinton Oct. 23, 1923 1,901,964 Haskell Mar. 21, 1933 2,648,539Packer Aug. 11, 1953 2,886,317 Querton May 12, 1959

